distinguished

Distinguished is an adjective with two primary senses. In its most common use, it describes a person, group, or achievement that is notable for excellence, authority, or high status: a distinguished scholar, a distinguished career, or distinguished guests. In a second sense, it can mean visibly marked or set apart from others, indicating a conspicuous or recognizable quality. The word functions as the past participle form of the verb distinguish, but it is frequently used predicatively or attributively to denote merit or prominence.

Distinguish and its past participle distinguished carry related meanings. To distinguish means to recognize differences, to identify something as different, or to mark something as separate. Distinguishing marks or features help one tell things apart. The adjective distinguished often implies formal recognition or respect, and it is common in formal writing and titles, such as Distinguished Professor or the Distinguished Service Medal. It can also be used more loosely in everyday language, as in “a person of distinguished appearance,” though this sense emphasizes appearance and demeanor rather than achievement.

Etymology-wise, distinguished derives from the verb distinguish, which traces to Latin distinguere, meaning to set apart or recognize differences. Related terms include distinction, discerning, and differentiate; common antonyms are undistinguished, ordinary, and average. In usage, distinguished conveys a tone of merit and respect, and should be chosen when a high level of esteem or notable quality is implied.